Materials handling refers to the process of moving, controlling, protecting as well as storing materials such as goods, items, etc. for manufacture, disposal, and distribution or even for consumption. This process is very crucial because all the materials should be handled well in order to keep it safe, to reach its destination safely and to maintain their quality and condition.
Material Handling Equipments
Material handling equipment encompasses a diverse range of tools, vehicles, storage units, appliances and accessories involved in transporting, storing, controlling, enumerating and protecting products at any stage of manufacturing, distribution consumption or disposal.
The main categories of material handling equipment include: Industrial Trucks and Bulk Material Handling.
Industrial Trucks
Industrial trucks refer to the different kinds of transportation items and vehicles used to move materials and products in materials handling. These trucks have a variety of characteristics to make them suitable for different operations. Some trucks have forks, as in a forklift, or a flat surface with which to lift items, while some trucks require a separate piece of equipment for loading. Trucks can also be manual or powered lift and operation can be walk or ride.
There are many types of Industrial Trucks: Forklifts / Pallet Trucks / Hand Trucks / Walkie Stacker / Platform Trucks / Order Picker / Side Loader.
Bulk Material Handling Equipment
Bulk material handling refers to the storing, transportation and control of materials in loose bulk form. These materials can include food, liquid, or minerals, among others. Generally, these pieces of equipment deal with the items in loose form, such as conveyor belts or elevators designed to move large quantities of material, or in packaged form, through the use of drums and hoppers.
Conveyor Belts / Stackers / Reach Trucks / Reclaimers / Elevators / Hopers / Silos.